Virginia Louise Klepper, 96, passed away Dec. 3, 2024, at Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Hays, Kan. She was born on Oct. 15, 1928, at the family home in Redwing, Kan. to Ernest and Caroline (Budig) Dressler. In 1949, Virginia married the love of her life and the father of their six children, Clifford Klepper. Known for her vitality and generous spirit, Virginia lit up every room she entered. Her zest for life was perhaps best (and frequently) expressed on the dance floor, with grace and exuberance.
Virginia’s life centered on family and the simple joys of connection. Whether through her warm hospitality or phone calls to sing “Happy Birthday” or “A Bushel and a Peck,” she made everyone feel at home. Virginia mastered the art of visiting, bringing people together and making every interaction memorable.
She enjoyed a lifetime of dancing, including ballroom, swing, polka, square, and round dancing. As a journalism student at the University of Kansas, Virginia became a Jitterbug champion. She was an active member of the Swinging Star Square Dance Club and the Sunflower Polka Club and taught square dancing until age 88. In her later years she enjoyed all the dances with her longtime dancing companion, Herman Disque. She also regularly attended community concerts, always embracing music and movement.
Virginia joined the Catholic faith as a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin, Kan. After moving to Great Bend, Kan. in 1977, she became an active, long-term member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church (formerly known as St. Patrick Parish).
Living by the motto, “Health is Wealth — Invest in Yourself,” Virginia embraced holistic self-care long before it became mainstream. She proudly worked at Town and Country Raquet Club (now known as Club 1 Fitness) in Great Bend for 24 years. She started as pool manager and sales representative before advancing to Membership Sales Manager. Throughout her career, Virginia trained water safety instructors, taught CPR and other Red Cross courses, and led swim lessons for all ages—infants, children, and adults—along with aquacise and arthritis water classes. The American Heart Association recognized her for her “Swim for Heart” programs.
Virginia served on the Board of Directors for the Golden Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross for 9 years, held Treasurer and Water Safety Chairperson positions, and was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award in 1990.
Virginia found beauty in every corner of life, and her sense of adventure carried her far and wide. She loved to travel and took joy in the outdoors, especially during fishing trips to Dressler Island in Ontario, Canada. She loved calligraphy, writing, and painting, and excelled in curating photos and memories to share with others. Gardening was another passion, as was enjoying her ripe tomatoes on a BLT sandwich. Even as she journeyed through dementia, her vibrance—and her love of ice cream—never faded.
Virginia’s memory will live on through the lives she touched and the love she shared.
She is survived by three daughters, Janice Rielly (Ron) of St. Clairsville, Ohio; Michelle Shaheen (Michael) of Derby, Kan.; and Lynnette Bernasconi (Dave) of Hays, KS; one son, Terry Klepper (Mary) of Salina, KS; and her brother, Eugene “Gene” Dressler (Gertrude) of Wagner, S.D. Virginia was preceded in death by daughter, Cheryl Philippi (Mike and his wife Kayleen Yager); and son, Daryl Klepper (Janice). Virginia was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Open visitation will be held at Bryant Funeral Home from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The Altar Society Rosary will be held at 4 p.m., and the Parish Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Claflin, Kan. Memorials have been designated to the Claflin Ambulance Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. May she rest in peace knowing she was cherished by all. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 5, 2024
